How to Make Beer Bread (2024)

Have you heard about beer bread? Do you know how to make beer bread? You probably should, since it’s a type of “quick bread” that’s been growing in popularity. It’s not hard to see why: it doesn’t require special equipment, is simple to make, tastes great and is so versatile. It doesn’t require yeast, so there’s no waiting for it to rise. You can add flavors and mix-ins to a basic beer bread recipe to create a loaf for any occasion and everybody’s tastes. It’s super bread!

Bountiful Beer Bread Mix® has been Tastefully Simple’s top-selling product since the company started in 1995, and naturally developed a good bit of expertise in making the very best, most tender and flavorful loaf possible. Up your beer bread game with these tips and suggestions.

What’s the Best Pan Choices for Beer Bread?

Most beer bread lovers choose to make a basic 9×5 loaf using the standard bread loaf pan. However, it can also be baked in an 8×8 square baker, as mini loaves, in muffin pans or in a round loaf for use as a bread bowl. Check out these guidelines for various pan sizes and baking times.

Can You Use Something Other Than Beer in Beer Bread?

Absolutely! Almost any carbonated or noncarbonated beverage can be used, including water, soda pop, milk or buttermilk, fruit juice and even creamed corn! In general substitute 12 fluid ounces of whatever liquid you choose in place of beer.

How Do You Add Flavor to Beer Bread?

Beer bread batter is so versatile that it can make countless variations of sweet and savory loaves.

Try stirring a tablespoon or two of your favorite seasoning or other savory add-ins into the batter, such as

  • Rustic Herb Seasoning
  • Grated cheese
  • Chopped nuts
  • Fresh or dried herbs
  • Bacon pieces
  • Minced Pepperoni

You can also mix in sweet add-ins like:

  • Creamy Caramel Sauce
  • Rhubarb Strawberry Fruit Spread
  • Baking chips in a variety of flavors
  • Cinnamon
  • Coconut
  • Fresh and dried fruits
  • Fruit zest

How Do You Know When Beer Bread is Done?

You’ll know your beer bread is ready to come out of the oven when the top crust is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. You can also use an instant-read thermometer; the temp should be about 200⁰F.

How Do You Store Leftover Beer Bread?

Store loosely wrapped in plastic or in a sealable plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, or frozen for 2-3 months. The taste tends to fade over time, so your loaf is best eaten sooner than later!

What Are Some Uses for Beer Bread Leftovers?

You’re likely to eat up a whole loaf of beer bread shortly after it comes out of the oven – it’s that delicious. On the off chance that there is a bit left, you can use it so many delicious ways, including stuffing, croutons, French toast, bread pudding or breadcrumbs for coating meats or topping casseroles.

What Are Some Recipes Using Beer Bread?

The possibilities are endless! For breakfast, lunch, dinner and even dessert, there’s never an occasion when beer bread doesn’t make a delicious difference. Here are some recipes to try:

Beer Bread Appetizers

It’s easy to impress with appetizers and starters made with Bountiful Beer Bread Mix®.

Beer Bread for Dinner, Lunch and More

Try these savory sensations for sandwiches, sides and even pizza!

Beer Bread for Breakfast and Snacking

Check out sweet versions for breakfast, brunch, coffee breaks and even dessert

Find more beer bread ideas in these blog posts

What’s The Best Beer for Beer Bread?
What’s the Best Beer for Beer Bread? Lupulin Brewing Taste Test
What’s the Best Beer for Beer Bread? Part 2: Schell’s Brewery Taste Test
What Goes With Beer Bread?
Easy Beer Bread Recipes
Beer Bread for Breakfast? Sweet!
A Six-Pack of Cheesy Beer Bread Recipes
Bountiful Beer Bread 5 Ways

Looking for even more ideas for how to make beer bread? Check out tastefullysimple.com/recipes.

How to Make Beer Bread (2024)

FAQs

What beer is best for beer bread? ›

Lighter beers, such as lagers, ales and pilsners, will give your bread a lighter color, and mild taste that just about everyone loves. Darker beers like stouts and porters make a darker-colored loaf and have a stronger beer flavor. Hoppy beers like IPAs will give your bread a more bitter taste.

What is beer bread made of? ›

Beer bread is super simple to make and only requires a few base ingredients. The staples include flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and beer, although you can easily customize your bread recipe to make it sweet or savory!

Can I use beer instead of yeast to make bread? ›

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine the flour, sugar, and can of beer in a mixing bowl. The alcohol from the beer will evaporate during baking, so the bread will be edible for all ages. Watch it bubble as you mix it up and then place the large ball of dough in the center of a greased cookie sheet.

Does beer have to be room temperature for beer bread? ›

Use room temperature beer: This helps the bread rise and creates a better texture than cold beer. Don't over-mix: After adding the beer to the dry ingredients, mix enough until just incorporated and nothing more. Overworking the dough will create a very dense loaf.

Why is my beer bread tough? ›

Overmixing the batter can cause the bread to turn out tough or crumbly. Stir gently and stop as soon as the flour disappears (and any mix-ins are incorporated). Customize Your Bread. This isn't a beer bread mix, so you can have fun with it!

Is beer bread OK for kids? ›

Keep in mind, the alcohol evaporates in the baking process, so it is safe for the kids to enjoy as well. Add in cheese if you like, it's not necessary, but it is delicious. Drizzling butter on top helps it have a nice crust. This beer bread comes together in less than 5 minutes and bakes in less than an hour!

How to tell when beer bread is done? ›

Bake the bread for 45 to 50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted about 1/2" into the top of the loaf comes out clean, or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.

How long is beer bread good for? ›

HOW LONG DOES BEER BREAD LAST? Beer bread should last about 4-5 days when wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator. It loses beer flavor the longer that it sits, so if you want that pronounced beer bread taste, I recommend eating it sooner rather than later.

What happens to alcohol in beer bread? ›

Beer and bread have a common creation process: yeast is used to turn sugars into carbon dioxide and alcohol. In the case of bread, a great percentage of the alcohol evaporates during the baking process. Beer bread can be made simply with flour, beer, and sugar.

What can I use in place of beer for beer bread? ›

directions
  • Combine flour baking powder,sugar, dill(or any other herb of your choice) and salt in a large bowl. ...
  • Stir in the club soda just until combined.
  • Pour into a sprayed loaf pan.
  • Pour the melted butter over the top.
  • Bake @ 375F for 1 hour.
  • Remove from pan and let cool on rack.

What pairs well with beer bread? ›

Think brisket, chicken, ribs, steaks, pork loin – all pair wonderfully with a slice of beer bread. When you're trying to keep it lighter, pair beer bread with your favorite salad. We highly recommend Caesar salad!

Does beer bread taste like beer? ›

I don't know if it's because the bread is warm, fluffy, buttery perfection, or if it's because my mom made it often. Probably a bit of both. If you're not a fan of beer, no worries. Beer bread has a beautiful malty, yeasty flavor, that's light and not at all overwhelming or beer-y.

What is the best beer for beer bread? ›

What type of beer to use? I'm from Pennsylvania, so my go-to is Yuengling. It's a nice, well-balanced medium-bodied lager with malty and hoppy flavors that works really well for beer bread. Many people choose a light or medium beer with a mild flavor, but you can experiment with whatever you have on hand!

Is Bud Light good for beer bread? ›

For the mildest beer flavor in your bread, use a light beer, such as Miller's Lite, Coors Light, or Bud Light.

Can I use water instead of beer in beer bread? ›

Can You Use Something Other Than Beer in Beer Bread? Absolutely! Almost any carbonated or noncarbonated beverage can be used, including water, soda pop, milk or buttermilk, fruit juice and even creamed corn! In general substitute 12 fluid ounces of whatever liquid you choose in place of beer.

What is the best beer to bake with? ›

If you're new to baking with beer, porters and stouts are the best place to begin. Because they're brewed with dark roasted malt, they lend flavor notes of cocoa and coffee. Porters lean more toward chocolate and malted flavors with less bitterness.

What beers are best for beer batter? ›

Most are fair game for beer batter (Pilsner Urquell, Stella Artois, Modelo, and Firestone Pivo Pils are particularly nice), with the exception of Bohemian pilsner, which comes with a heavy dose of spices that can change the overall flavor of your dish. In a beer batter, pilsner is one of the more low-key options.

What kind of beer to use for Trader Joe's beer bread? ›

It's also the phrase you'll find gracing each box of Trader Joe's Beer Bread Mix. The flavor of the finished loaf really depends on what kind of beer you use: Go with a lager for a lighter profile, an IPA for a hearty, hoppy taste, or a stout for a rich result with a slightly darker finished product.

Is blue moon good for beer bread? ›

Mixes in one bowl and makes a lovely rustic and flavorful bread. So far I've only used lighter beer (Blue Moon Belgian White specifically) but am definitely going to be experimenting more with other types of beer (especially Guinness), as well as herb combinations.

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